Shloka 35

Matsya Purana — Origin of Soma

Devanagari script

महेश्वरेणाथ चतुर्मुखेण साध्यैर् मरुद्भिः सह लोकपालैः ददौ यदा तां न कथंचिद् इन्दुस् तदा शिवः क्रोधपरो बभूव //

Transliteration

maheśvareṇātha caturmukheṇa sādhyair marudbhiḥ saha lokapālaiḥ dadau yadā tāṃ na kathaṃcid indus tadā śivaḥ krodhaparo babhūva //

Translation

But when the Moon, though urged by Maheśvara and the four-faced Brahmā—together with the Sādhyas, the Maruts, and the guardians of the worlds—still did not grant her in any way, then Śiva became wholly intent on wrath.

Word by Word

• महेश्वरेण (maheśvareṇa): by Maheśvara/Great Lord (Śiva)

• अथ (atha): then/indeed

• चतुर्मुखेण (caturmukhena): by the four-faced one (Brahmā)

• साध्यैः (sādhyaiḥ): with the Sādhyas (a class of gods)

• मरुद्भिः (marudbhiḥ): with the Maruts (storm-gods)

• सह (saha): along with

• लोकपालैः (lokapālaiḥ): with the Lokapālas (guardians of directions/worlds)

• ददौ (dadau): gave/granted

• यदा (yadā): when

• ताम् (tām): her/that (woman/thing previously mentioned)

• न (na): not

• कथंचित् (kathaṃcit): in any manner/at all

• इन्दुः (induḥ): the Moon (Soma/Candra)

• तदा (tadā): then

• शिवः (śivaḥ): Śiva

• क्रोधपरः (krodha-paraḥ): devoted to wrath/overcome by anger

• बभूव (babhūva): became.

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) describing the episode (narrative voice; not direct dialogue)

Entities Mentioned

• Śiva (Maheśvara)
• Brahmā (Caturmukha)
• Sādhyas
• Maruts
• Lokapālas
• Candra/Soma (Indu)

Tags

• Śaiva narrative
• Devas
• Cosmic governance
• Puranic conflict
• Mythic ethics

FAQs

What does this verse reveal about the creation or dissolution (Pralaya)?

This verse is not a Pralaya (dissolution) passage; it highlights cosmic administration—gods and world-guardians attempting to resolve a dispute—showing how order is maintained through divine authority rather than through dissolution imagery.

How does this verse relate to the duties of a King or Householder?

Indirectly, it models a dharmic principle: when a rightful request is obstructed despite counsel from elders and authorities, consequences follow. For kings/householders, it underscores listening to wise mediation and avoiding stubborn refusal that triggers conflict.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-building rule appears in this verse. Its ritual takeaway is thematic: major deities and divine assemblies (Maruts, Lokapālas) function as witnesses/authorities—an idea mirrored in Purāṇic ritual culture where acts are validated by invoked divine oversight.